H.B. No. 2131 seeks to enhance the legal framework surrounding unauthorized entry and occupancy of real property in Texas by introducing new criminal offenses and increasing penalties for related crimes. The bill amends the Penal Code to include specific provisions addressing unauthorized actions such as entry, sale, rental, lease, advertisement, or conveyance of real property. It establishes new sections that define offenses involving the presentation of false documents in property transactions and fraudulent sales or rentals of residential real estate, with penalties ranging from Class A misdemeanors to third-degree felonies based on the severity of the offense.

Additionally, the bill provides a mechanism for property owners to request the immediate removal of unauthorized occupants by the sheriff, detailing the process for submitting complaints and the sheriff's responsibilities in verifying these complaints. It also clarifies that neither sheriffs nor property owners will be liable for damages resulting from the removal of unauthorized occupants. The legislation reinforces property owners' rights and law enforcement's authority to act against unauthorized occupants, while also ensuring that the amendments to Section 28.03 of the Penal Code apply only to offenses committed after the effective date of the Act, September 1, 2025, thereby maintaining legal consistency for prior offenses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 28.03 (Penal Code 28)